2024 RTSports Outlook

McLaughlin was an undrafted free agent that made the team and moved up the depth chart throughout the season. He even got a few starts because of injury. He finished with 570 total yards and three touchdowns. McLaughin averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. He also caught 31 passes, showing he can be an asset in the passing game. McLaughlin could be the top backup from day one this season. He is a small back but runs with some power and has good moves in space. He also will make some plays after contact, averaging 2.2 yards per carry after contact. He catches the ball well out of the backfield. He does lack some size to be an every-down back but can do well in spot duty.

FANTASY OUTLOOK: McLaughlin could improve a little on last year but don't expect much better production. That still gives him some value as a deep reserve for fantasy teams. His floor is decent because he will get some weekly catches. Look for around 600 total yards and 30 receptions with a few scores.

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RotoBaller's Outlook

As a rookie, Jaleel McLaughlin totaled 570 yards on just 107 touches. His efficiency metrics were off the charts. Per PlayerProfiler, he ranked 4th among running backs in true yards per carry (5.1), 6th in juke rate (25.2%), and 6th in yards created per touch (4.42). His 0.95 fantasy points per opportunity ranked 9th among running backs. When the undrafted rookie out of Youngstown State touched the ball he was electric. However, even in games Javonte Williams didn't play or left early, McLaughlin averaged just 11.5 opportunities on a 33% snap share. He produced 18.7 PPR points per game in those two games though, as he found paydirt in both games. Again, he's got the ability to put up fantasy points in a hurry, but he never played more than 28% of the snaps in games Williams was a full-go. At just 5'7", 187 lbs, McLaughlin may never be more than a change-of-pace type back. That feels even more likely now that the Broncos took Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft. At 5'11", 227 lbs, Estime is built more like Javonte Williams and could be called upon to shoulder the load should anything happen to Williams. In that case, McLaughlin would continue as that change-of-pace back in Sean Payton's offense. However, just like in 2023, he could have some spike weeks. Because of his hyper efficiency, he's one of those running backs you'll want to have stashed on your roster just in case.

As a rookie, Jaleel McLaughlin totaled 570 yards on just 107 touches. His efficiency metrics were off the charts. Per PlayerProfiler, he ranked 4th among running backs in true yards per carry (5.1), 6th in juke rate (25.2%), and 6th in yards created per touch (4.42). His 0.95 fantasy points per opportunity ranked 9th among running backs. When the undrafted rookie out of Youngstown State touched the ball he was electric. However, even in games Javonte Williams didn't play or left early, McLaughlin averaged just 11.5 opportunities on a 33% snap share. He produced 18.7 PPR points per game in those two games though, as he found paydirt in both games. Again, he's got the ability to put up fantasy points in a hurry, but he never played more than 28% of the snaps in games Williams was a full-go. At just 5'7", 187 lbs, McLaughlin may never be more than a change-of-pace type back. That feels even more likely now that the Broncos took Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft. At 5'11", 227 lbs, Estime is built more like Javonte Williams and could be called upon to shoulder the load should anything happen to Williams. In that case, McLaughlin would continue as that change-of-pace back in Sean Payton's offense. However, just like in 2023, he could have some spike weeks. Because of his hyper efficiency, he's one of those running backs you'll want to have stashed on your roster just in case.